Asbestos testing is the process of identifying whether a suspect material contains asbestos fibres, and if so, which type. It is an essential first step before any building work, renovation or demolition in a property built before 2000 — and in many cases a legal requirement under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).
Why Is Testing Necessary?
You cannot identify asbestos by visual inspection alone. Asbestos was added to hundreds of building materials, and the same product can exist in both asbestos-containing and asbestos-free forms. Only laboratory analysis of a physical sample confirms the presence or absence of asbestos fibres. Testing is required when a survey has identified suspect materials; when building or renovation works are planned; when a material has been accidentally disturbed; when buying or selling a pre-2000 property; and to demonstrate compliance with CAR 2012 before works begin.
Types of Asbestos Testing
- Bulk material analysis — a physical sample is taken from the suspect material and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for polarised light microscopy (PLM) analysis. Confirms asbestos presence and identifies fibre type. The standard approach for building surveys.
- Air monitoring / fibre counting — airborne fibre levels are measured using phase contrast microscopy (PCM). Used before, during and after removal works to confirm fibre levels are within legal limits. Results are compared to the 0.01 f/ml clearance indicator for licensed works.
We do not operate an in-house laboratory. All samples are sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for independent analysis — third-party accreditation ensures complete reliability and objectivity of results. Results are typically returned within 2–5 working days.
How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost?
- Single bulk sample analysis — approx. £25–£50 at standard turnaround
- Management survey with sampling — approx. £200–£500 for a domestic property; £400–£1,200+ for commercial
- Refurbishment and demolition survey — typically £500–£2,000+ for commercial/industrial premises
- Air monitoring per event — approx. £200–£600 for clearance after licensed removal
Survey vs Testing: What Is the Difference?
An asbestos survey is a comprehensive building assessment to identify, locate and characterise all ACMs — it includes sampling but covers a broader scope including condition assessment and risk rating. Testing refers specifically to the laboratory analysis of samples. For our full testing service see our asbestos testing page; for surveys, see our surveys page. If testing confirms removal is needed, see our removal service.